If you are retired what is it that you miss the most about being retired? If you're not retired what is it that you are looking forward to?

SGM Jerry Finin — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:27:09 -0500

As for me I am retired and I miss the Soldiers the most. I am happy to have the freedom of doing what I want when I want now that I am retired.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 9:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:31:04 -0500

Retired SMs miss being in! I dont look forward to retiring because I am going to lose all my benefits... What job would I ever be able to get that has given me the opportunities I have gotten and will get.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 2 at 2014 9:37 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:37:40 -0500

I am not yet retired. 26 years longevity, 18 for AD retirement wise.... am looking forward to doing something in my career that is not available in the military setting... I am a nurse....but want to teach nursing students. What I will miss is the feeling of being part of "the team".

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 2 at 2014 10:51 PM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:51:31 -0500

I miss teaching and mentoring the Soldiers as well, I also miss the camaraderie of my fellow NCOs and Officers that I worked with along the way. Even though my body shows the signs of all the physicality's I suffered over double digit deployments, I love being deployed as I could utilize what I had learned and gained during my years in and I was able to pass that along to my Soldiers and be able to bring them home alive to their families.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 2 at 2014 11:21 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:21:22 -0500

Not retired yet...maybe in 10 years or so, BUT no more PCSing, unless the wife and I chose to go there.

Response by PO1 Julio G. made Mar 3 at 2014 12:27 AM

PO1 Julio G. — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:27:00 -0500

I retired in 2009 with 20 years under my belt and it was a very strange feeling of uncertainty. The first month just felt like I was on leave. The second month was the Mack truck slamming into my consciousness reminding me that I was really a civilian.

Once I landed my first civilian job, I quickly realized how much I missed the military structure, the camaraderie, and being underway (representing the Navy here).

This June will mark my fifth year of retirement and I still miss being underway from time to time. I still miss the camaraderie. However, now I have a job with a very mature company that has structure very similar to our military.

Response by SGM Thomas Raymann made Mar 3 at 2014 7:59 AM

SGM Thomas Raymann — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 07:59:03 -0500

I do not miss much. I have a great job that allows me to help American for a change. I do not miss Soldiers at all, as I continue to mentor many of those whom I have had the honor to serve with, including family members. My nearly 30 years provided me to serve and lead the best Americans in the country!

Response by SFC Wesley Metcalf made Mar 3 at 2014 4:52 PM

SFC Wesley Metcalf — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:52:27 -0500

Being Retired I enjoy having time to do things i want when i want and on my terms, BUT with that said I miss the Soldiers whom I served with the most, they have become part of me and my family, MY Soldiers made me who I am today, and through their dedication and Hard work they made my Military career Very Successful and i am forever grateful to them for all my success

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 15 at 2014 4:37 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 04:37:17 -0400

Sometimes my memories come in a flash drive, then gone. Sometimes it is not there. Cant say I miss Pt at Oh dark thirty. Moving forward I find myself on a different planet earth. Back in the world is not what I had expected. Today, I can be at my workstation at 0900 ish... I dont punch a time card or make one out for a Schedule X Manhour report. I dont report to anybody, yet I attend lots of meetings and board room types. Its different.

Response by MAJ Dennis Malone made May 28 at 2014 3:13 PM

MAJ Dennis Malone — Wed, 28 May 2014 15:13:08 -0400

I miss the senior NCOs and the warrant officers that I got along with. I never fit in with the officers... : ( No worries, my self esteem never counted on that. I am on my second civilian job as a government contractor and I still miss the aforementioned folks. After the retiree .mil accounts were de-activated I was isolated even more-isn't it great they saved money? Oh well, bought a farm south of Topeka last year and will relocate in July, at least I will still get to enjoy the great out doors when I leave my domicile in just a few short months.